This chapter is from the book

This chapter is from the book

Game Genres

A game genre is a type or category of game. As with movies, there are
many game genres, and they are often hard to classify. Some games may fit in
more than one genre. Here's a list of the most popular genres.

ActionAn action game has moving objects and focuses on your
timing, reflexes, hand-eye coordination, and quick thinking to achieve a good
score. Most games have some action in them but aren't necessarily
considered "action games." Space Invaders and Half-Life are good
examples of action games.

AdventureOften confused with RPGs, adventure games let you
control a character in an environment while the story is discovered. Unlike what
happens in an RPG, your actions do not affect your character's overall
abilities. Examples of adventure games range from Super Mario Brothers to the
games in the King's Quest series.

CasinoOne of the most popular genres to play on the Internet is
casino (that is, gambling) games, such as poker and roulette.

EducationalIn an educational game, the goal is to educate the
player. This game can also be a part of another genre; for instance, you can
have an educational puzzle game.

First-person shooterThis style of game lets you see a world
through the character's eyes as you run around and try to shoot anything
that moves. Typically the action in these games takes precedence over the story.

PuzzleA puzzle game, also called a logic game, challenges
your mind more than your reflexes. Many puzzle games are timed or limit the
amount of time in which you can make a move. Games like Tetris and Sobokan are
good examples of puzzle games. Puzzle games also include some classics like
chess and checkers.

SportsA sports game is an action game with rules that mimic
those of a specific sport. For instance, NHL 2002, by Electronic Arts, is an ice
hockey sports game.

Role-playing game (RPG)An RPG is a game in which you, the game
player, control a character in its environment. In this environment you
encounter other beings and interact with them. Depending on your actions and
choices, the character's attributes (such as fighting ability, magical
powers, and agility) change, and so may the story. Baldur's Gate is an RPG.

StrategyThis type of game focuses on your resourcefulness and
deal-making ability as you try to build and/or run something. In some games,
your goal is to successfully build and run a city; in others, what you have to
build or run can be anything from an army to a roller coaster.